Placenotes

Published 5:30 am, Sunday, June 18, 2006

• Concept:Placenotes, an alternative to traditional guidebooks, is a set of individual 4-inch by 6-inch cards that describe landmarks, neighborhoods, buildings and other places defining a city's character. The idea is that travelers can put as many or as few cards as desired in a pocket or purse and not be burdened by a heavy book. Each card includes a color photo, a description of the place or neighborhood and practical information for a visit. Most cards also feature a short commentary by a local authority.

• Places: Card sets released to date cover Houston, San Antonio, Austin, the University of Texas, New York art museums and Santa Fe, N.M. Placenotes Houston, the newest volume, includes 47 cards detailing sites that range from the Rothko Chapel to the Sixth Ward and Montrose.

• Packaging: The cards come in a box with a lid that snaps shut. The set includes a map and limited suggestions for dining and drinking.